I’ve been posting this for over ten years here on CapFax - MY PLAN IS WORKING!

But hey, mock your neighbors for having these feelings, but please don’t be surprised by it. They are only reacting to the complete lack of value the State of Illinois has given it’s citizens for about twenty years. With the exception of laughing at our governors as they are convicted, sentenced and perp-walked into jails, watching our Congressmen buy moose heads or not paying child support, the people of Illinois are obviously reading the Chicago Tribune and it’s sad toll of civic government here in the Land of Lincoln.

Voters want change from the dreck passing for government in Illinois. Their choice for governor is between an incompetent patronage gadfly and a guy who thinks he can turn the state around from it’s current Enron business model to Chick-fil-A.

More importantly have YOU ever asked a Texan what they think of their state? Don’t you think the fact that most citizens distrust the government leads to disliking the state? Residents have some very good reasons to distrust the State Government. After all the feds bought Thompson Prison to save on transport costs for the Governors wing.

Why does this feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy? I guess it’s easier to throw your hands up in the air and complain than to take some positive action, big or small, where you live to help make a difference. Fine, give up and accept it, or better yet, move the heck out of this hellhole.

Send us a postcard when you find a place where the grass is greener, the sun is always shining, the taxes are low and the services are great, and all of the politicians are honest.

I am sick of hearing how crappy everything is in Illinois. Wallowing in self-pity is so unattractive. Pack up your attitude in your U-Haul and drive away.

Others around the world and country certainly do not rate us that way overall.

Curious that when we had a reputation around the country for continually bragging about our state, Illinois had government corruption that makes today’s problems pale by comparison. That cheerleading was led by the business community.

But perception is reality, and the messengers of doom can prevail in the public mind and win elections.

Uh, so let’s blame the Tribune for this? Really? I don’t read the tribune, and no offense like someone said yesterday..it’s dying… Spin… Try to make excuses, but a lesson I learned when I was young… You can never tell anyone how they feel. Sorry gang, both parties are the reason we are in it… But when the music stops, the Dems are the Super Majority… If this does not scare PQ, it should… Average people are and have been hurting… If the ground game begins and is working hard… Rauner wins. People want change.

Illinois has the unfortunate distinction of being the state with the highest percentage of residents who say it is the worst possible place to live. One in four Illinois residents (25%) say the state is the worst place to live, followed by 17% each in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

If enough people tell you, “you stink”, eventually, you are going to belive them. Yep.

It’s one thing for Dopes like the Trib to take the role of “watchdog” and looking out for wrong, to make it right, but to take that “watchdog” responsiblity to the level of being the biggest “Cheerleader of Despair”, what have you gained in your role? Citizens fovusing more on negative than on solutions to make it better.

Ten years is a long time to complain. Long time. So, things stay “worse” but you get the “glory” of claiming Illinois is the worst? Congrats to the Trib, your Dopey paper is now in the polled “worst state” and you far to wear part of that jacket too.

Watchdogs strive for making things better, not at relishing pointing out the bad to exacerbate it to make what is real a perceived and false reality that lemmings take as true.

Illinois v. Mississippi? Illinois crushes Mississippi.

Illinois is unique, special, original, and stands as an incredible convergence of Agriculture and Metropolitan living, and being world class in both.

Either have the gumption to hike up your pants, load up and get out, or get on board, less complaining, less “no”, less talking points, and much more pride of where we have been, and where we WILL go, together.

Unfortunately our elected leaders live in a state of denial. Pat Quinn will be 66 in December and can retire on full social security and state retirement in January when his term ends. Maybe in retirement he can ponder just how he blew it.

In the meantime he is traveling around the state announcing bike paths while Illinois roads fall apart on his watch. He is clueless about what really needs to be done, not just in the basic functions of government but what it means to be a leader.

Why are some so quick to blame the Trib, IPI, etc. for polluting the minds of the public? Isn’t it possible that this reflects genuine sentiments of the public based on their own personal experience and views? It’s not as if Illinois is a beacon of honest, efficient government and everyone is just imagining bad government.

I also don’t understand the “love it or leave it” mentality. One can’t be critical of their government or they have to pack up and leave? I think it speaks better of the person that complains (and hopefully takes action) about bad government than one that just sits silent feeling helpless.

“I am sick of hearing how crappy everything is in Illinois. Wallowing in self-pity is so unattractive. Pack up your attitude in your U-Haul and drive away.”

I agree. If you really hate it here, either try to change things or get out. Maybe without some of these people, we can get some good legislation passed, like a progressive income tax.

Again, some people bring up states like Indiana and Texas as places to move, but they don’t bring up states like Maryland and Minnesota, states that have higher tax rates and lower unemployment rates–not to mention a minimum wage increase.

There is some good jobs news in Illinois. The unemployment rate in Illinois decreased in many metro areas over the last year, and in one or more cases, there was a significant drop in the unemployment rate.

The other good news is that the Chicago metro area is kicking the heck out of Indiana in regards to corporate investment. In one article I read, Indiana was considered somewhat of a dumping ground for lower-wage jobs, because of the tax environment.

Might i point out that there are folks trying to change things. See the Term limits and the Redistricting reform. You may not like the changes they want to make or the individual whose face is tied into it AKA Rauner but they are attempting to make changes.

As for the newspapers and other media bad news sells.

As for how they vote it’s the same problem as the national stage we all hate congress but it isn’t our legislator it’s that guys legislator.

“Grandson of Man - I wrote that post before seeing yours. Just want you to know it was not directed at your comment in any way.”

Not a problem at all.

Sometimes I get angry because Illinois is not more like Minnesota or other states, but it’s pointless. Illinois is what it is. It’s not Tennessee, and it’s not one of the more progressive states. We have to work with what we have. I feel more optimistic about this state than I did a year or so ago.

I’m very happy with Mayor Emanuel’s approach to business in Chicago, from what I know. I read that he has a very good relationship with corporate leaders and works very hard to bring business to Chicago. That’s what I want in a leader.

A more appropriate way of comparing Illinois to other states is to say this, “Illinois is the most under-performing state in the union.” Sure, there are worse places to be. But given all of Illinois’ resources we should be considered one of the best places in the U.S.

I have lived in Illinois for 85 years except when I was in the Navy and I LIKE Illinois.I have enjoyed visiting 46 of our 50 states and 18 foreign countries but I don’t want to have my home anywhere else.Not especially proud of it but happy to be here.

==If Illinois is really so bad, why not just leave? Illinois has 232 residents per square mile, better than all but 11 states. Action > words.==

Yea, that and the other comments like it are cop-outs in their own way. It undercuts the entirely legitimate reactions many Illinois residents have to what’s going on here. Many of us have ties to this state that make it next to impossible to leave without huge costs - financial and emotional. The fact that more Illinoisans feel this way about our state than any other means something important, don’t you think?

Since this is a political blog it’s not surprising that most of the comments connect Illinois’ political situation with respondents’ opinion.

As someone who has lived in other states, I find Illinois’ lack of natural appeal coupled with its monotonous agriculture depressing. Of course those 2 characteristics are related. Throw in climate and that may account for the responses.

IL politics and leadership is bad but probably better than 40 years ago. I remember being at a state agency 30 years ago and handed fundraising tickets and told to sell them or buy them. IL has a lot of other assets and is not the worst place to live. I like “stand’s” observation that IL is ‘under performing’.

What state is the best, worst, most free or least free probably depends on your situation and what issues or concerns are most important to you.

An interesting take can be found in the biannual “Freedom in the 50 States” report put together by the Mercatus Institute of George Mason University — yes, it’s a conservative/libertarian think tank but check them out anyway:

The report includes an interactive map whereby you can see how your state ranks in a number of individual categories (taxation, fiscal policy, regulation, liability, personal freedom, etc.)

The 2013 report put IL at rock bottom — #50 — for “personal freedom”, below even the ultimate nanny state of New York and the People’s Republic of California. I suspect, however, that ranking will change in future editions now that we have concealed carry, same-sex marriage and medical marijuana. But IL does rank respectably in other “freedom” categories.

I am shocked that the real issue is reality… The perception of the governing party tells us we are broke.. Surprise, the media prints it. Don’t.Shoot.The.Messenger.
I know it’s confusing for folks when the same people say a day later they need 100 mil for a library..or the next say no..not all …

Has it helped over the years to have the hate battle of downstate vs. Chicago? And resolutions to create a 51st state? Our elected politicians in leadership poisitions have created and nurtured our self-hate — to the point where an angry billionaire (aka Donald Trump) motivated by politically- motivated Legislators actually could be our top executive.

Ok, so in some minds its not the worst state, then give me some things good about it, other than plenty of freebies and welfare at the working mans expense. Thought so. And yes I am one of those people when retired will be leaving the state. I’m leaving for Tennessee.

“The fact that more Illinoisans feel this way about our state than any other means something important, don’t you think?”

Actually no I don’t think it means anything other than Illinoisans like to complain. When push comes to shove they stay put, a lot of hot air. This isn’t North Korea, the last time I crossed state lines I didn’t notice any menacing guards manning checkpoints. I do think the state under performs but not for the reasons the Trib and Rauner think. If I ever bail on IL, it will be for a place like MN.

While i grant you that out west you can get better hunting and down south you can find better fishing. However IL is no slouch and a nice combo. Once you get a way from Chicago (no slam, just well you are an urban area up there) there are a lot of natural places to enjoy.

Sand Ridge State Forest 5,500+ acres of forest
Jim Edgar Panther Creek 26 sq miles of forest and 335 acres of lakes.
Starved Rock close to chicago
A great break is Pere Marquette State Park great lodge to stay, lots of hiking, and bald eagles within 45′ drive 6 miles south and you have 4 different Wineries in Grafton.
Then you have the Shawnee National Forest.
Before you blast the natural attraction of our state maybe you should see some of it.

In point of fact .4% is not good. Especially when you consider the natural population growth of the current residents starting families.
The .4% number is pretty scary has the state down around 44th in nation.

The Illinois labor force peaked at about 6.7 mil in 2008 and has been falling for the last six year. Lost over 100K people IS SPITE of the sanctuary city of Chicago and it’s influx of illegal immigrant drug cartel business

“The population of North Korea as of July 2009 was 22,665,345, with a population density of 492.4 persons per square mile”

Yes and North Koreans are free to leave anytime they want!

Yes, IL population is growing slowly, but IL has a mature economy, alot of the “sunbelt” states are still playing catch up from the Civil War. Mississippi was one of the wealthiest states pre-civil war. Not to mention a good portion of the sunbelt was pretty much unihabitable pre the widespread use of air conditioning. Naturally people migrated to take advantage of cheap land after modern convience (air conditioning) made it possible.

The fact remains IL is 12th in population density, almost three times Texas, it must not be that bad.

One part of Illinois that I love is the near west side of Chicago, the Medical District. The United Center is a few blocks away, and it’s such a historical place already, with five world championships in the last 20 years (3 Bulls and 2 Blackhawks).

There is a lot of open space in this area, in the middle of the big city, and it’s nice to look at the downtown skyscrapers that are nearby.

I would like the folks who live in downstate Illinois to take a brief moment and wish the Blackhawks success tonight and in this series, against the St. Louis Blues. Thanks in advance.

==What’s the outlier? Crime rates have been declining across the country, including Chicago, for 20 years.==

Not in the low-tax, 2nd amendment utopia to the East. Indianapolis’s murder rate is 2-3 times that of Chicago’s so far this year. Chicago’s violence is out of control and unacceptable. But, I’m guessing there won’t be too many Drudge headlines about the bloodshed in the capital/largest metro of the State that gave us Mitch Daniels, Mike Pence and Richard Mourdock.
I was excited to have a President from Chicago. But after 6 years of out-of-town stupid national reporting and partisan attacks on my city, I’m more than ready to regress to fly-over country status. Many of these attacks are valid. But I think the relentlessness of the attacks, are what wears people down and produces poll results like this.

Guys, its funny to watch so many defend such terrible growth. And of course we in Illinois have nothing to learn from Texas (or any other state) that is growing better than us… Housing hurt us, this hurt us, Texas boomed in oil.. (never mentioning the 80s and an 90s that killed texas because of Oil)

And this is the reason Illinois is in the dumps. because too many will excuse anything, find any data to support that Illinois is great and everyone else is wrong.

“Ok, so in some minds its not the worst state, then give me some things good about it, other than plenty of freebies and welfare at the working mans expense.”

I love it here. I love the fact that I live in a City with some of the best restaurants in America. I love the natural beauty of the lakefront. I love that I am less than a half hour away from professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey with fans that are as passionate as anywhere in the country.

I love the diversity of the state. I love ISU and the friends that I made there. I love the Pub II. I love the area by the river down in Alton. Peoria is a really fun town - I’ve had many guys weekends there. Golfing up in Galena is always a great time.

I’m sure there are other places in this country that have similar niceties, and sure,Illinois has its challenges right now, but lets be clear - Illinois has a lot of offer. If you can’t see that, then maybe it is time for you to bid us all adieu.

More broadly, there is the fact US Census data shows Illinois is barely growing, one of the bottom 5 in America. As the LA Times summarized it on December 30 “Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Vermont and Illinois posted the slowest population growth, all at or near a tenth of 1 percentage point.”

People vote with their feet. By that measure, we are running near last in a field of 50 candidates.

@ Word
When you show a census data page showing 0.2% pop growth vs the country at 2.4 and you poo poo any growth in other states, you make yourself a joke.

I understand you love Illinois. But many are blinded to the point that Illinois is right in all things. Its like a religion. the dogma cannot be challenged. I challenge you to look at other states, states that the workforce is growing, that revenue is growing and ask yourself “What can we emulate?”

Ask yourself honestly why net migration out of illinois is so bad? and I am not talking over 20 or 30 years I am talking the last 2, or 5 or 10.

If net migration is negative, and pop growth is so slow as barely measured, you are not going to recover in this state. Denial and beating up those that point out the poor stats doesnt fix the problem. If it did CapitolFax comments alone would have put us on the road to surpluses and utopia.

@Fomerly
“More broadly, there is the fact US Census data shows Illinois is barely growing, one of the bottom 5 in America. As the LA Times summarized it on December 30 “Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Vermont and Illinois posted the slowest population growth, all at or near a tenth of 1 percentage point.”

People vote with their feet. By that measure, we are running near last in a field of 50 candidates. ”

One last note: While our state’s regulations may make us less “business-friendly” than your beloved Texas. None of our towns have been blown off the map by completely avoidable fertilizer plant explosions. Cuz you can have liberty and the pursuit of happiness, without the LIFE! Amiright?

==so explain the lack of growth and net negative migration?==
It is part of a larger demographic shift to the South that has been occurring pretty steadily since the invention of air conditioning. New York, California, New Jersey, Indiana, Missouri have all been on pretty much the same domestic migration trend-line. Though the number of apocalyptic blowhards does not appear to have spiked in those states.

Nothing is better than reading a health back and forth. Not surprising - wordslinger - is keeping everyone on their toes.

To the Post,

Illinois is a place, fortunately, that still allows for options. Business, commercial or manufacturing, Agruculture, cities, suburbs, small towns, all kinds of people.

Choices made by those leaving, or those contemplating leaving, are they researching, or buying into the hype of one state over Illinois, or buying into the pure negative that places like the Trib seem to drop certain “things” to keep a negative narrative.

My point?

As - wordslinger - responds with facts and figures to the facts and figures of those pointing to the negative, the real goal should be motivating each other to be better, and not dwell or on the “Only in Illinois” rote responses.

Private sector growth and Public sector responsibility to the citizens will make the difference. Both. All.

Don’t blame Government. Don’t blame business.

We spend more time looking for blame, or who wears the jacket, and less time on encouraging our economy through all avenues. But, then what would the Trib and her Editorial Board write about? Illinois lacks nothing. It’s up to us to remember that.

Illinois and Texas are comparable in terms of sales tax rate and property tax rates. They have the same state sales tax rate of 6.25%, not counting additional local rates. In terms of property tax rates, according to the Washington Post story “All told, property taxes were north of 1.5 percent of a home’s value in 11 states: Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin.”

They are not comparable in terms of income tax rate. Illinois has one. Texas does not.

It should not be like this.
We are Illinois. The land of Lincoln. We have sent four presidents to the White House. We have brought innovation to the world. We are good people with a good work ethic and integrity.
We are better than we believe we are. I do not know if we are the best state, but I am proud of my State. At the same time, we need to get better.

Ah–it’s all Balderdash. Let’s just say it’s been some over a Half of a Century that I’ve called this Place my Beloved Home State–taint perfect, but it’s really not half-bad, and can actually be quite nice to live in, work, and raise kids in on the whole–all of the small percentage of scandalous baloney aside…!

For me, Illinois is still #1, despite all of its’ flaws, and in my heart ‘n soul, always will be…!